Jemima Philip & Stephen Vance

MAGNOLIA COLLECTIVE

Jemima Philip + Stephen Vance

Stephen Vance and Jemima Philip have perfect timing to thank for the start to their love story. They met when both lived in Iowa City for a brief stint during the summer of 2018. When Stephen left Iowa, the couple dated long distance for a year and a half, developing their relationship through FaceTime calls and monthly weekend visits. Stephen proposed over Thanksgiving 2019, and the couple said “I do” in December 2020 at The Bradford. “Little did we know how important it would become with the pandemic coming about, because the space and accessibility that The Bradford afforded us helped us make this a safe and truly celebratory experience,” Jemima says. The planners at Magnolia Collective were a much-needed support system for Stephen and Jemima. They coordinated vendor meetings to accommodate the bride’s travel dates, juggled plans A, B and C, and were crucial in smoothing over last-minute mishaps. The wedding day color palette of burgundy, blush and gold as well as evergreen boughs in the florals and bouquet hinted at the spirit of Christmas, which was just a couple of weeks away. Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe was also a meaningful part of Stephen and Jemima’s big day. The authentic South Indian and Southern cuisines reflected the marriage of the Southern and Indian cultures and harmoniously celebrated the joining of the two families.

Photography by Mina von Feilitzsch Photography

“Planning a wedding was stressful enough, but make it long-distance during a pandemic, and you need to make sure that you have the right people supporting you and reminding you that our love was the reason we are doing all of this,” Jemima says. “Meghan is such a great communicator and shot straight with me the entire [time]. From budget management to day-of jitters, she kept us on the straight and narrow through it all.”